ISLAMABAD: The federal government has opted to extend the deadline for submitting Hajj applications through the government scheme due to a low turnout—only 40,175 applications have been received so far. To bolster participation, officials are considering alternative methods.
Minister Aneeq Ahmed of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony announced a 10-day extension, with the formal declaration slated for today. Applications for Hajj are accepted through both government and sponsorship schemes.
The minister cited the country’s economic situation as a reason for the reduced number of applications.
Despite efforts to reduce expenses and introduce shorter-term Hajj facilities, this year witnessed a drop in applications. Last year, the Ministry had to return almost 20,000 quotas to Saudi Arabia due to decreased Hajj pilgrims.
In a separate development, Pakistan has eliminated the compulsory Covid vaccination certificate requirement for next year’s Hajj pilgrims. The Ministry made this announcement via its official social media handle.
The mandate for a Covid vaccination certificate for 2024 Hajj pilgrims has been rescinded, according to the ministry.
Earlier, on the last day, the official regular scheme collected a mere 24,446 applications, reflecting a low turnout. The sponsorship scheme, designed to facilitate pilgrims, garnered only 174 applications.
In response to the subdued interest, the Ministry of Religious Affairs is contemplating a potential extension of the submission period by 7 to 10 days. The objective is to encourage a higher number of applications and ensure broader participation in the upcoming Hajj pilgrimage.
Reports indicate that there is consideration of lifting the 5-year ban on individuals performing Hajj again, further incentivizing prospective pilgrims.
Additionally, the Ministry is exploring the possibility of relaxing permissions for women to perform Hajj without a male guardian (Muharram), marking a potential positive shift towards inclusivity in the Hajj policy.
It is essential to note that any proposed changes in the Hajj policy will undergo careful scrutiny and require approval from the federal cabinet.
This ensures that decisions are made with due consideration for the welfare and convenience of individuals aspiring to embark on the sacred pilgrimage.
